Although his track record is far from flawless, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has been pretty strong overall in terms of his ability to identify and select talented players in all rounds of the annual NFL Draft.

The 2018 class is one of the best drafts around, featuring players who will find success both in Buffalo and elsewhere, like Tremaine Edmunds, Harrison Phillips, Taron Johnson, Wyatt Teller, Ray-Ray McCloud and, yes, quarterback Josh Allen. last league memory. The 2022 class was also very successful, with James Cook, Terrel Bernard, Khalil Shakir and Christian Benford completing. Although it’s too early to predict how the 10-player 2024 class will age, the early returns are very encouraging.

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Given the team’s offseason roster shakeup, many rookies have been thrust into significant early roles, and overall their first-year players have answered the call. Bills on SI writer Hans Hansen noted in the X that Buffalo currently has three top-five rookies among first-year contributors with the most relevant statistics; Running back Ray Davis is fifth among rookie rushers with 242 yards, wide receiver Keon Coleman is fifth in receiving yards with 396 yards, and defensive end Javon Solomon is third with two yards.

Davis, quickly becoming a fan favorite in Western New York. With his tough play style and endearing story, he ranks third in rookie running backs behind Bucky Irving and Tyrone Tracy, if that’s what disqualifies non-running backs. Washington Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels currently leads all rookies in rushing yards (424), while Denver Broncos’ passer Bo Nix ranks 4th (259).

Like Davis, Coleman sees his rankings drop when you factor in players outside his position; The 21-year-old actually ranks fourth in rookie receiving yards behind Brian Thomas Jr., Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison Jr. But he currently ranks fifth in overall rookie receiving yards, as does Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. His 535 yards rushing ranks second among all rookies.

Solomon is perhaps the most surprising name on the list, as he has only played 39 defensive tackles so far this season. However, considering he led the FBS in scoring with 16 last season at Troy, perhaps that polished off scant opportunities.

Although he doesn’t rank among the league’s top rookies in key statistics, third-round defensive tackle DeWayne Carter deserves his kudos as well; He recorded seven running stops and five quarterback pressures this year, per PFF, and steadily improved each week before suffering an ankle injury in Week 7.

Still, it’s too early to argue that the 2024 NFL Draft will be considered another Beane masterclass, but it’s hard not to be encouraged by the early performances of many of the players making up this contention; Coleman and Davis were everything advertised, while Carter and Solomon looked promising as well. Considering the offseason departures of many key players on the roster, securing the 2024 draft pick was of great importance to the Bills; Early returns suggest they are doing so.

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